Yet another email to an MP about Brexit
Dear Jeff,
I’d like to add my voice to those who have already contacted you about the referendum result.
Like many I’m deeply upset at the outcome. I am heartbroken by the consequences; both immediate — the rise of xenophobia, the economic and constitutional uncertainty, and long-term — the loss of freedoms, protections and opportunity afforded to every person (irrespective of nationality) living in the UK.
I’m glad that intelligent, cosmopolitan Manchester showed its colours and that we voted firmly to remain — on that I’d like to congratulate you and the remain campaign.
However I do not “accept” the result — in so much as I feel the leave vote is primarily a product of protest, anger and disaffection rather than a reasoned and rational choice. I’m not completely convinced that there should be a re-run of the referendum as it may reinforce the binary thinking which got us in this mess — what is needed in my view is a more traditional kind of democratic mandate i.e. a general election. I am looking forward to the upcoming debate and am watching this space with interest.
I am also very sad at the behaviour of the PLP over the past days. The coup against Jeremy Corbyn feels like utterly the wrong thing to be focussing energies on at this time when the party has the greatest opportunity to show unity in the face of a fragmented tory party. I have no idea which side of this coup you have come out on, but either way, it’s done. You’ve shot yourselves in the (michael) foot. Then again, perhaps that’s exactly what needs to happen.
What I’m hoping for is a united, progressive platform, committed to remaining in, or should it come to it, re-joining the EU. A hybrid of what the Greens and LibDems seem to be saying.
How might that work? It has two sides. Firstly, genuinely addressing the societal problems which caused this latest outcome, namely poverty, fear and dearth of opportunity — so we’re talking ending austerity, funding public services, investing in as much as we possibly can. Secondly breaking down the contempt with which mainstream politics is viewed — a radical shake up (a purge if you will) and a fairer, proportional electoral system.
I’d be interested to hear your views on all this.
Kind regards,
Sam
